13 Day Best of Namibia Lodge Safari

February 17, 2017February 17, 2017admin

Summary of this Budget Safari Package

The diverse 13 day guided Namibia Lodge Safari is the perfect alternative to a self-drive tour in this mesmerising land of extremes. Namibia is an ideal destination for travellers in search of unique natural beauty, dream-like scenery and incredible wildlife.

Barren coastlines, other-worldly landscapes and monumental dunes are complimented by the gentle nature of the people and Namibia’s reputation as one of the safest countries on the African continent.

Experiencing the vast spaces, wildness and solitude of Namibia you are constantly reminded of the magnitude of nature and the elements. The unsurpassed beauty of the Kalahari, Namib Desert, Skeleton Coast, Damaraland and Etosha National Park set the scene for a great African adventure while enjoying outstanding hospitality, value for money and first-rate cuisine.

Itinerary for this Tour

Day 1: Windhoek – Namibia

When you land at Windhoek International Airport on your first day, you will be welcomed by our driver and taken to your accommodation at the Casa Piccolo, not far from the city centre.

There is time to check-in, freshen up and relax before meeting your tour guide and heading off on a short city tour of Windhoek. The vibrant heart of Namibia, Windhoek has much to offer visitors. Known for its old colonial German buildings (look out for the German castle) and its laid-back vibe, Windhoek is a surprising mix of African charm and ordered modern metropolis. Some of the sights we see include the landmark of Christ Church, Tintenpalast (House of Parliament) and Alte Feste (Old Fort). In the evening we eat out at Joe’s Beerhouse (optional), before returning to your comfortable suits at Casa Piccolo for the night.

Travel: 50 km / driving about 1 hour

Day 2: Windhoek to Kalahari – Namibia

Day two starts with a delicious breakfast in the Casa Picolo’s sunny breakfast room and a short tour briefing.

Your luggage is loaded safely into the vehicle, before heading southwards from Windhoek via Rehoboth in the direction of the hot, arid town of Mariental. From Mariental we continue travelling for another hour until we arrive at our destination – Bagatelle Kalahari Game Ranch. Tonight we stay on the ranch at the owner-run lodge, surrounded by the dramatic deep red sand dunes of the southern Kalahari.

Take in the solitude and changing colours of the Kalahari and endless views over the desert landscape. We recommend joining the optional ‘Bush Walk’ (not included in the tour price), as this provides a fascinating glimpse into the remarkable fauna and flora that survive and thrive in these harsh desert conditions.

Breakfast & Dinner
Travel: 300 km / driving about 4-5 hours

Day 3: Kalahari to Namib Desert – Namibia

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast, before departing for Sesriem, travelling via the towns of Mariental and Maltahöhe. The settlement of Sesriem provides access to Namib-Naukluft National Park and the ever-popular attraction of Sossusvlei, where one can witness some of highest dunes in the world. In the heat of the afternoon there is time to relax at the Desert Homestead Lodge or to explore the vast open spaces on foot. Sunset horse safaris or dune drives can be booked as optional extras before enjoying a relaxed three course dinner at the desert lodge.

Breakfast & Dinner
Travel: 450 km / driving about 5-6 hours

Day 4: Namib Desert to Rostock Ritz – Namibia

At sunrise, as the gates of the Namib Naukluft Park open to visitors, we make our way into the spectacular dunes of the Sossusvlei area.

An early morning climb to the crest of the dunes offers rewarding views of the Namib Desert and the golden-red glow of the rising sun presents the most beautiful photo opportunities. Your 4×4 safari vehicle will take you on to Sossusvlei, a dry clay and salt pan scattered with dramatic dead trees creating one of the world’s most photographed natural landscapes. Sossusvlei’s dramatic vistas are followed by the interesting layers of exposed rock at Sesriem Canyon, eroded by the Tsauchab River over millions of years.

The final destination of day four is the warm and friendly Rostock Ritz Desert Lodge, set amid 12 000 hectares of wild open plains. Use the rest of the day to relax at the lodge, enjoy the incredible views from the swimming pool, visit the resident meerkat colony or venture out on some of the spectacular walking trails of Rostock Ritz (optional).

Breakfast & Dinner
Travel: 250 km / driving time about 3-4 hours

Day 5: Rostock Ritz to Swakopmund – Namibia

Today takes you to the coastal town of Swakopmund, wedged between the crisp Atlantic Ocean and the Namib Desert dunes, and known as the adventure capital of Namibia. Swakopmund still heavily reflects its history of the German colonial era, the streets lined with provincial buildings from a bygone era and cafés where you can experience warm German hospitality and well-loved continental confectioneries and baked goods.

The evening offers the opportunity to dine at one of the many restaurants in Swakopmund (own expense) – fresh seafood next to the cool ocean is a must. The charming Swakopmund Guesthouse is a short 5 minute stroll from the beach and is your home-away-from-home for the next two nights.

Breakfast
Travel: 250 km / driving about 3 hours

Day 6: Swakopmund to Cape Cross – Namibia

Day six starts with a lovely breakfast at the guest house, followed by a free morning for you to explore on your own. Take advantage of the many exciting activities on offer in Swakopmund – book a quad bike tour, a catamaran trip or a desert safari in search of the “Little Five” (all optional) or simply stroll through town discovering lesser-known gems and mingling with the locals.

Meet up with your guide in the afternoon and head off to view the 80 000 to 100 000 seals at the Cape Fur Seal Colony of Cape Cross. The Diaz Cross, mysterious shipwrecks, and the ominous gates to the Skeleton Coast reserve are all interesting sites steeped in fascinating history. At the end of an adventure-filled day of exploration, wind, sand and sea we return to Swakopmund for dinner and a chance to experience another seaside eatery (own expense.)

Breakfast
Travel: 250 km / driving about 3 hours

Day 7: Swakopmund to Erongo Mountains – Namibia

Today we leave the shimmering Atlantic Ocean behind, travelling inland into the Erongo Region.

Here we visit the 700 million year old Spitzkoppe granite peaks, rising to altitudes of 1730 metres, visible from great distances away. Then we continue to Erongo Wilderness Lodge, an intimate luxury lodge situated in a secluded valley against a backdrop of dramatic granite boulders. Relax in your luxury tented chalet built on stilts, enjoying the breathtaking views. Alternatively you can join one of the guided tours (optional) to view game, rock art and the diverse fauna and flora of this unique ecosystem.

Breakfast & Dinner
Travel: 250 km / driving about 3 hours

Day 8: Erongo Mountains to Grootberg Pass – Namibia

Day eight requires an early start as you are travelling a distance of 500km through some spectacular landscapes, to the Petrified Forest – 260 million year old fossilised tree trunks which were declared a national monument in 1950.

Your next stop is Twyfelfontein – an area boasting over 2 500 rock engravings as well as many rock painting sites. Twyfelfontein enjoys UNESCO World Heritage Site status and is one of Namibia’s most visited tourist attractions. When you are finished marvelling at these ancient artworks your journey continues to the remote 100% community-owned Grootberg Lodge. It is perched at the edge of a plateau with glorious views over the Klip River Valley and boasts a unique 12 000 hectare biosphere, home to many animals big and small. Desert elephant and rhino tracking trips, scenic drives or guided walks are available, as optional extras. Dine overlooking the endless valley and overnight in comfort at Grootberg Lodge.

Breakfast & Dinner
Travel: 500 km / driving about 6-7 hours

Day 9: Grootberg & Damaraland Elephant Tracking – Namibia

The morning starts with an early breakfast, before leaving the lodge with an experienced local guide and tracker in pursuit of the elusive desert elephants.

The herds of desert elephants have adapted remarkably to the harsh conditions of life in the desert, only needing to drink every four days and travelling up to 200km in search of water. While tracking elephants and rhinos take a moment to appreciate the unique landscapes of Damaraland and the local people with their extraordinary living conditions. In the afternoon we return to Grootberg Lodge where you can relax, swim in the pool overlooking the valley and look forward to dinner.

Breakfast & Dinner
Travel: Distance depends on the route

Day 10: Grootberg to Etosha National Park – Namibia

Day ten marks our much anticipated arrival at the greatest wildlife reserve in Namibia – Etosha National Park. The majority of our stay will be focused on game viewing around the waterholes where animals, great and small, arrive to drink and bathe.

Elephants, rhinos, lions and leopards all make appearances to quench their thirst in this harsh arid landscape. Night drives are available with the park rangers (optional extra), taking you on thrilling searches for nocturnal animals. Alternatively unwind at the camp’s very active floodlit waterhole and patiently wait for the arrival of creatures from the shadows. Dinner (own account) is enjoyed at the camp’s restaurant before retreating to your chalet at Okaukuejo Camp.

Breakfast
Travel: about 350 km / driving about 4-5 hours (excl. game drives)

Day 11: Etosha National Park to Mushara Bush Camp – Namibia

Sunrise and breakfast start the day, before we head off into Etosha in search of game. The vast salt pan of 5000km², that stretches over roughly a quarter of the entire park is Etosha’s most iconic and scenic destination. It transforms into the breeding ground of over one million flamingos in some rainy seasons, painting the mono-toned landscape with shimmers of pink. Herds of elephant, giraffe, eland, blue wildebeest, kudu, gemsbok, springbok and zebras all inhabit Etosha National Park in abundance. In the evening we exit the park at the eastern Van Lindequist Gate and head to Mushara Bush Camp, where you will spend the night in luxury safari tents with en-suite bathrooms.

Breakfast & Dinner
Travel: Distance depends on the route selected

Day 12: Etosha Area to Waterberg Plateau – Namibia

After breakfast, we drive to Otjiwarongo. Known as the cheetah capital of the world in Otjiwarongo conservation of these graceful felines is of the highest priority. Along the way we pass the deep Lake Otjikoto, one of only two permanent natural lakes in Namibia, created by a sinkhole. German soldiers are said to have dumped ammunition and weapons into its depths during the First World War, much of which still lies at the bottom of the lake.

Close to Grootfontein we stop to see the 66-ton Hoba meteorite, the largest known intact meteorite in the world. This iron meteorite, discovered by the farm owner when he was ploughing his fields, is said to have fallen to earth about 88 000 years ago. We spend the last night of our tour at the Waterberg Plateau Lodge surrounded by expansive Kalahari bushveld. The rest of the day is set aside for relaxing at the lodge, enjoying endless views from the top of the Plateau or exploring the surroundings.

Breakfast & Dinner
Travel: about 350 km / driving about 4 hours

Day 13: Waterberg Plateau to Windhoek – Namibia

Today we make the 350km return journey to the capital city of Windhoek, with a curio-shopping stop in Okahandja. At the big handcraft market in Okahandja, hand-carved souvenirs, baskets and jewellery are sold. Arriving in Windhoek we drop you off at the Hosea Kutako International Airport or at the accommodation of your choice, where we say our goodbyes.

Breakfast
Travel: 350 km / driving about 4 hours

Please note:

Depending on availability at the guesthouses, chalets, rest camps and lodges mentioned in the itinerary, accommodation of a similar standard may be used on some nights.
Each guest us guaranteed a window seat.